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An unconfirmed strategic proposal from India to supply Greece with its advanced Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LR-LACM) has ignited speculation across the Aegean.
According to Greek media reports, the offer could provide Athens with a formidable weapon capable of neutralizing high-value targets, including Turkey's sophisticated S-400 air defence system, potentially shifting the regional balance of power.
The discussions, reportedly initiated during the DEFEA 2025 defence exhibition in Athens, highlight the deepening military and strategic ties between India and Greece.
The LR-LACM, with a stated range of up to 1,500 kilometres, is seen as a significant force multiplier. Its introduction into the Hellenic Armed Forces could grant Greece the ability to conduct deep-strike missions against critical infrastructure such as airbases, command centres, and radar installations in the event of a conflict.
Developed by India’s DRDO, the LR-LACM is a testament to the nation's growing self-reliance in missile technology. A derivative of the subsonic Nirbhay missile, it was first successfully tested in November 2024.
The missile is powered by the indigenous Manik Small Turbofan Engine (STFE) and can be armed with either conventional or nuclear warheads. Its advanced design allows it to fly at low altitudes, hugging the terrain to evade radar detection, and execute complex manoeuvres before striking its target with high precision.
The alleged offer is set against a backdrop of evolving geopolitical alignments. Tensions between India and Turkey have reportedly increased following Turkey's support for Pakistan during the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict.
Some analysts in Turkish and international media have framed the potential missile deal as a direct response from New Delhi, aimed at bolstering Turkey’s regional rival, Greece.
This has been compounded by a recent high-level visit to Athens by Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, which underscored the growing interoperability between the two air forces, both of which operate the French-made Rafale fighter jet.
For Greece, the acquisition of such a missile system would align with its ambitious military modernization program.
Athens is currently undertaking a significant overhaul of its armed forces, phasing out older Russian-made systems and investing in a multi-layered air defence network, dubbed the "Achilles Shield," with Israeli and Western technology.
An offensive long-range strike capability like the LR-LACM would complement these defensive upgrades, providing a powerful deterrent and the ability to proactively neutralize threats.
The prospect has caused considerable concern in Turkey, where media outlets have expressed alarm over the missile's capacity to threaten strategic assets across the country.
Turkey’s own acquisition of the Russian S-400 system created a major rift with its NATO allies, leading to its removal from the F-35 fighter jet program.
While Greece is on track to receive F-35s by 2030, the addition of the LR-LACM could further tilt the military balance, forcing Ankara to re-evaluate its defence posture and accelerate its own missile development programs.
However, several factors suggest a cautious outlook. As of now, neither the Indian nor the Greek governments have officially confirmed the offer. Furthermore, the LR-LACM is still in its developmental phase, with further tests scheduled and full operational deployment not expected until 2028-2029.
Any potential export would likely only proceed after the Indian Armed Forces' own procurement needs are met.
The technical challenges and costs associated with integrating a new and complex missile system into Greece’s existing platforms would also represent a significant undertaking.
